November 2014 - Roland U.S. Blog

Monthly Archives: November 2014

Synth Bass for Bass Players, Part 1

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Increase Your Versatility and Get More Gigs

Bassist Robert "Bubby" Lewis with the Roland GAIA SH-01

Bassist Robert “Bubby” Lewis with the Roland GAIA SH-01 synth.

In today’s music world, the vast influence of EDM and other electronic styles has crept into the fabric of nearly every popular genre. The core of EDM is a driving rhythm groove, with the low end held down by synthesizer bass. To cover this essential sound, traditional bass players are now called upon more and more to double on keyboard both live and in the studio. If you’re a bassist who’s looking to increase your musical versatility and gigging opportunities, read on to find out the things you should know when getting into synth bass.

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Bring the ’59 Bassman to Your Pedalboard

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BOSS Legend Series: FBM-1

FBM-1_Marquee1

Despite the name, Fender’s famous Bassman amps have long been more popular with guitarists. First introduced in 1952 as a companion to the newly introduced Precision Bass, the Bassman line has seen many generational changes throughout the years that greatly affect its sound. But it’s the tweed-covered 1959 model that’s the most iconic, delivering a dark, woody bark and ballsy overdrive that’s served as one of the essential blueprints for rock and blues guitar tone. Thanks to BOSS’ official collaboration with Fender, the FBM-1 Fender ’59 Bassman pedal makes it easy and affordable to add this classic sound to your rig.

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The Compact BOSS Loop Station Family

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Powerful Creative Tools for Performing and Practice

BOSS compact Loop Station pedals: RC-1, RC-3, and RC-30

BOSS compact Loop Station pedals: RC-1, RC-3, and RC-30.

For every musician, looping is a great way to enhance your creativity and have more fun making music. The ability to record yourself on the spot and play along opens up a world of possibilities for not only solo performing, but also for developing ideas and improving your skills. BOSS’ compact Loop Station pedals—the RC-1, RC-3, and RC-30—are the most popular loopers in the world, offering great sound quality and convenient battery-powered operation for on-the-go performing. The feature sets of these Loop Stations vary, with each supporting the unique needs of different types of looping musicians, including guitarists, keyboardists, vocalists, and others. So which one is right for you? Read on to find out…

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Percussionist Pete Korpela Looping on the OCTAPAD

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Video Demo: How to Use the SPD-30’s Onboard Phrase Looper

Pete Korpela on stage with Roland's OCTAPAD SPD-30

Pete Korpela on stage with Roland’s OCTAPAD SPD-30.

Percussionist Pete Korpela seems to be everywhere these days, heavily in demand as a touring sideman and studio session player with artists like Josh Groban, Robbie Williams, and Melody Gardot, to name a few. At the center of his percussion setup is Roland’s OCTAPAD SPD-30, which plays an important role alongside his large selection of traditional acoustic instruments. Pete visited the Roland AR office a few months back for an in-depth discussion about how he uses the OCTAPAD on stage and in the studio. While he was here, we also captured a great video of the percussionist demoing the OCTAPAD’s built-in looping function—check it out below.

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Big BOSS Giveaway 2014

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Time is Running Out—Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

Big BOSS Giveaway

Click the image to enter the Big BOSS Giveaway.

The Big BOSS Giveaway is well underway, and there’s just a short time left to participate. One lucky winner will be drawn at random each week and receive a BOSS pedal autographed by a famous musician. All submissions received are eligible for the Grand Prize of $1000.00 in BOSS gear.

The entry period runs from October 1, 2014 through November 25, 2014. Visit the BOSS Facebook page or the contest page at BossUS.com to enter for your chance to win.

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